5 Reasons Why You Need to Hire an Immigration Lawyer

As an immigrant coming to a brand-new country, it can be stressful trying to integrate. Not only did you uproot from your home to move somewhere completely new, but there’s a string of legal hoops you have to jump through in order to comply with the law and live in the U.S. legally. All said, it’s no wonder many immigrants find themselves lost and confused when they touch base in America.

Whether you’re an immigrant or a friend or family member helping an immigrant, it’s important to know how to gain citizenship through naturalization, a green card, or a temporary visa. This is where a skilled immigration lawyer comes in. An immigration lawyer can help you navigate the rough waters filled with legal jargon and complex laws.

Keep reading to find out five reasons why you need to hire an immigration lawyer

1. They can help you obtain citizenship and naturalization

If your goal is to become a U.S. citizen, you need to meet specific eligibility requirements. While you can easily find information online, you can’t replace the experience and firsthand knowledge of a trained attorney. If you need help with immigration law, an immigration lawyer can steer you in the right direction. A qualified attorney will be able to help you through the naturalization process by working with you to complete your application and get ready for the naturalization exam.

There are many reasons why you may want to obtain citizenship. You’ll be able to enjoy a variety of new freedoms, such as the right to vote, the ability to qualify for jobs that require U.S. citizenship, and you won’t have to face the fear of being deported.

2. They are detail-oriented

When you sit down with your immigration lawyer, you’ll realize just how much work goes into immigration legal matters. From applying for work visas to obtaining a green card through family members, an attorney with a solid track record will get you the outcome you need.

A seasoned immigration lawyer will be able to counsel you through all the eligibility requirements for the immigration status you’re trying to apply for, whether a visa or naturalization or can help you settle a case by defending against deportation proceedings.

3. They can help you obtain asylum

If you’re an immigrant coming to the United States escaping your home country due to threats based on your religion, political views, race, or any other matter, you may fear being deported and having to return. An immigration lawyer can help you obtain asylum, which means you’ll be granted protection from the U.S. government against prosecution by your home country.

In the event that your asylum application is denied approval, your immigration lawyer can help you build a case and present it at immigration court. An immigration lawyer will let you know where you stand at all times to ensure you meet important deadlines and eligibility requirements.

4. They can help protect your rights

Unfortunately, the U.S. government may not always have your best interests in mind. Asking a lawyer to defend your case can help level the playing field to ensure you’re treated fairly and won’t be exploited or abused under the law. Additionally, respected immigration lawyers often have positive relationships with government immigration officers, which means they can help encourage positive agreements and produce faster results.

5. They provide peace of mind

Going at an immigration case alone can be intimidating. If you’re immigrating to the U.S., a skilled immigration lawyer can give you peace of mind knowing your forms are filled out correctly and that you’ll be able to comply with the law. For example, if you worked without employment authorization or committed a crime in your past, your immigration lawyer will be able to advise you on the best route to take in order to achieve citizenship or a green card.

Immigration lawyers can also help with a variety of other cases, such as:

Obtaining a nonimmigrant visa

Obtaining a green card through a family member

Obtaining an employment-based immigration visa

Whatever your immigration needs, an immigration lawyer is well-versed on U.S. immigration policy and can help your case.

Wrapping up

Understanding immigration law can be confusing, especially if English isn’t your native language and you’re trying to decipher complex federal laws. An immigration lawyer can help you handle any immigration legal matters, whether applying for a visa or citizenship, or going to immigration court for deportation proceedings.